Fam! Summer is finally here! While that means you all might be winding down for a few weeks, it’s the complete opposite for me. Those of you who have been following my blog posts know that I joined Spotify’s Sound Up team in March to develop its ‘Behind The Mic program for early-career podcasters. When…
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Listen to (de)CIPHERED: Sylvia Arthur on Diaspora Kids Standing as a Legacy to Our Parents
Read moreSylvia Arthur, the founder of The Library of Africa and the African Diaspora (LOATAD), based in the heart of Accra reflected on her identity as a Black British woman, and how claiming that honours the work of the ancestors who came before us. It’s a gnarly subject for some because claiming Britishness, feels like claiming…
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- African American Experience
- African Brits
- belonging
- BlackWomen
- Christabel Nsiah-Buadi
- ConfidentBlackWomen
- cultural identity
- Interviews
The thing about Gina Yashere is…
Read more..well, she seems so unflinchingly HONEST. I’ve believed this to be true for years — ever since I first saw her on TV, strutting and OWNING the stage as she dropped joke after joke about being Black and African and British back in the ’90s. The first time I watched Yashere on TV, I remember…
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The Pain You Feel Will Propel You Into Your Destiny
Read moreThe words in this blog post title were said by Michael Olatuja. I was interviewing him for my new conversation series, “(de)Ciphered.” Click on the link at the end of this post to listen to it. This conversation has been released almost one year after I talked with Olatuja. I had planned to release it…
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I Said What I Said!
Read moreHow many times have you said that to yourself – in your head — or to your friends with all the confidence of a prize boxer? I already know the answer. LOTS. I can see it now. You’re sticking your chest out while emphasizing each verb with a nod of your head; “I SAID what…
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Deliberate and Afraid of Nothing
Read moreThat’s it. Michaela Coel is the most badass person on the planet. I decided this the moment I saw her exquisite photo for Variety, which was part of the magazine’s ‘Power of Women in Comedy’ feature. The picture took my breath away, and not only because Coel was wearing a Kente cloth in a photo…
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Yours Is Comin’!
Read more“Yours is comin”! That’s what one of Daniel Kaluuya’s homies shouted as they celebrated his Oscar win on April 25. Watching Daniel Kaluuya and his crew, which included the musician Dave and actor Damson Idris gas each other up was a wonderful sight. The Academy’s failure to give Chadwick Boseman an Oscar (slow claps all…
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What do you want?
Read moreI thought I knew what I wanted, certainly career-wise. The work I do informs much of my identity as a left-handed, Glasgow-born, London-raised, Ghanaian woman who loves to travel, and lives in the US. But those markers – including work – don’t speak to who I am. Though for much of my life I thought…
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A Brand New Day…?
Read moreI’ve been feeling lighter these days — like the air is shifting and almost dancing around me. It might be ‘cause it’s the season of renewal. Flowers are blooming and people around the world are renewing their faith, beliefs and purpose during Easter, Holi, Ramadan, and other cultural events. Maybe it’s because Los Angeles is…
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Create Space
Read moreI’ve been waiting to share some exciting news with you for a while now, so I’m excited to *finally* announce that I’m joining Spotify to lead its ‘Sound Up: Behind the Mic’ program. I’ll be putting my years of entrepreneur, podcast, broadcast and leadership skills to use to create a space for aspiring and early…
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Mama Always Says…
Read moreI can always rely on my mum to cut through the noise. This week, during one of our chats, she did just that as we talked about the firestorm around Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. “These people always try to use their big big words to distract us. She chuckled, “have…
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- African Brits
- BlackWomen
- Christabel Nsiah-Buadi
- ConfidentBlackWomen
- cultural identity
- Strength of Women
- The Media Disruptors
The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same
Read moreAs we’ve seen through the controversy surrounding Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, women are often labelled as difficult if we take up space. As human beings we all crave connection, and we all want to be liked. Yet, Black girls who express their opinions are often deemed troublesome well before they’re 10, so learn to…
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You Belong Here Too
Read moreAYEKOOOOOOOO!!!! Ghana turns 64 years old on March 6. It’s a holiday I’ve celebrated ever since I was a kid. I loved knowing that I have roots in the nation that first gained independence. As I’ve got older though, I’ve become less satisfied with the idea that a lot of my Ghanaian pride is defined…
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A Woman’s Work
Read moreI can barely concentrate on my words as I type. I’m writing this blog post on a Friday afternoon – four days later than planned. I missed my deadline because my life has been filled with interruptions from online meetings – and…life! First, there was Nana K, the kindergartener who needed me to help him…
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Doing What I Feel
Read moreAt a recent event for his new book, “Open Water,” British author Caleb Azumah Nelson read an excerpt from it which included a line that was completely arresting. It was: “I’m doing what I feel.” Those five words hit me right in the solar plexus. I was exhilarated and afraid. I mean, who’d be cocky…
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- African American Experience
- African Brits
- Christabel Nsiah-Buadi
- Judas and The Black Messiah
- Mother Akura
We’ve All Got The Skin For It
Read moreJudas and The Black Messiah: Has Daniel Kaluuya’s Got the Skin For It? My fellow Londoner Daniel Kaluuya has made a habit of playing American Heroes: Chris Washington in ‘Get Out’, “W’Kabi’ in ‘Black Panther, and now he’s playing a real-life hero, Chairman Fred Hampton of the Black Panther Party in the movie ‘Judas and…
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“If you think affluent black people or mixed race people shouldn’t qualify for reparations, I have something to tell you” (Independent – UK).
Read moreI weigh in on the renewed debate on African-American reparations.
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“As a Brit living abroad, I’ve watched Brexit unfold this week — and decided to delay my return” (Independent – UK)
Read moreReflections on the push to delay Britain’s exit from the EU — better known as Brexit
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“If Bernie Sanders wants to do better with voters of colour, here’s where he needs to start” (Independent – UK)
Read moreMy thoughts on Bernie Sanders and his relationship with voters of color
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“I’m Black and British. The Royal Wedding Left Me Conflicted.” (GOOD.is)
Read moreMy take on the celebration of Meghan Markle’s heritage at the Royal Wedding
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“Welcome To Nollywood, Nigeria’s Booming Movie Industry” (GOOD.is)
Read moreI interviewed Nollywood insiders about the growth of Nigeria’s film industry and it’s cultural impact for GOOD magazine.
